What are the common causes of extreme bloating. How can you alleviate abdominal discomfort. When should you seek medical attention for a bloated stomach. What dietary changes can help reduce bloating.

Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Lower Abdominal Pain

Abdominal bloating is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and affect daily life. It’s characterized by a feeling of fullness in the stomach and can make the abdomen appear visibly larger. Often accompanied by lower abdominal pain, also known as pelvic pain, these symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from dietary choices to underlying health conditions.

Lower abdominal pain typically refers to discomfort occurring at or below the navel. This type of pain is often associated with organs in the pelvic region, including the bladder and reproductive organs. Understanding the root causes of these symptoms is crucial for effective management and treatment.

Common Causes of Bloating and Abdominal Pain

• Excessive air swallowing
• Consumption of high-fat foods
• Stress
• Constipation
• Food intolerances (e.g., lactose or gluten)
• Gastrointestinal disorders

Is stress a significant contributor to bloating? Indeed, stress can play a substantial role in triggering or exacerbating abdominal bloating. When we’re stressed, our digestive system can become less efficient, leading to increased gas production and slower digestion, both of which can result in bloating.

Gastrointestinal Conditions Associated with Bloating

Several gastrointestinal conditions can lead to abdominal bloating and lower abdominal pain. Identifying these underlying causes is essential for proper treatment and management of symptoms.

Common Gastrointestinal Causes

1. Gastroenteritis
2. Colitis
3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
4. Intestinal obstruction
5. Ileus (slowing of normal bowel function)
6. Gastroparesis (often a complication of diabetes)
7. Crohn’s disease
8. Diverticulitis
9. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Can irritable bowel syndrome cause extreme bloating? Yes, IBS is a common cause of severe bloating in many individuals. The condition can lead to irregular bowel movements, abdominal pain, and excessive gas production, all of which contribute to bloating. Managing IBS often involves dietary changes, stress reduction, and sometimes medication.

Reproductive Health and Abdominal Bloating

For many women, reproductive health issues can be a source of abdominal bloating and lower abdominal pain. These conditions can cause cyclical or chronic discomfort and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Reproductive Conditions Linked to Bloating

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Normal pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Menstrual pain
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Ovarian cancer
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Is bloating a common symptom of endometriosis? Bloating is indeed a frequent symptom experienced by individuals with endometriosis. Often referred to as “endo belly,” this bloating can be severe and may worsen around menstruation. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to be related to inflammation and hormonal fluctuations associated with the condition.

Other Potential Causes of Extreme Bloating

While gastrointestinal and reproductive issues are common culprits, several other conditions can lead to abdominal bloating and lower abdominal pain. It’s important to consider these possibilities, especially if symptoms persist or are accompanied by other signs of illness.

Additional Causes to Consider

• Appendicitis
• Hernia
• Cystitis
• Medication side effects
• Cirrhosis
• Intra-abdominal cancers
• Drug allergies
• Food allergies

Can certain medications cause bloating as a side effect? Yes, various medications can lead to bloating as a side effect. Some common culprits include antibiotics, which can disrupt gut bacteria balance, and certain pain relievers that may slow digestion. Additionally, some medications used to treat diabetes, such as acarbose and miglitol, can increase gas production in the intestines, leading to bloating.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bloating

While occasional bloating is common and often harmless, certain symptoms in conjunction with bloating warrant immediate medical attention. Recognizing these red flags can be crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious conditions.

Signs That Require Immediate Medical Care

• Inability to pass gas
• Uncontrolled vomiting
• Fever
• Vomiting blood
• Passing dark, maroon, or bloody stools
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Sudden worsening of pain, especially if it improves by lying completely still

Should you seek medical help for chronic bloating? If you experience persistent bloating that doesn’t resolve within one to two days or significantly affects your daily life, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Chronic bloating could be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention and treatment.

Dietary Factors Contributing to Bloating

Diet plays a significant role in the development of abdominal bloating and lower abdominal pain. Certain foods and beverages are known to increase gas production in the digestive system or cause fluid retention, leading to bloating symptoms.

Common Dietary Triggers for Bloating

• Beans
• Beer
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Carbonated beverages
• Chewing gum
• Dairy products (for those with lactose intolerance)
• Hard candy
• High-fat foods
• Lentils
• Turnips

Can eliminating certain foods from your diet reduce bloating? Yes, identifying and eliminating foods that trigger bloating can significantly reduce symptoms for many individuals. Keeping a food diary to track which foods seem to cause bloating and gradually eliminating them from your diet can be an effective strategy. However, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet, so consult with a nutritionist or healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

Lifestyle Changes to Alleviate Bloating

In addition to dietary modifications, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and severity of abdominal bloating and lower abdominal pain. These changes can improve overall digestive health and contribute to better general well-being.

Effective Lifestyle Modifications

1. Quit smoking
2. Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
3. Avoid talking while eating to reduce air swallowing
4. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
5. Exercise regularly to promote healthy digestion
6. Stay hydrated
7. Avoid lying down immediately after meals

Does regular exercise help reduce bloating? Regular physical activity can indeed help alleviate bloating. Exercise stimulates the digestive system, promoting more efficient digestion and reducing constipation, which is a common cause of bloating. Additionally, exercise can help reduce stress, another factor that can contribute to digestive issues and bloating.

Natural Remedies for Bloating Relief

Many individuals find relief from bloating through natural remedies. While these methods may not work for everyone, they can be a gentle and effective way to manage mild to moderate bloating symptoms.

Popular Natural Remedies

• Peppermint tea
• Ginger
• Chamomile tea
• Fennel seeds
• Probiotics
• Apple cider vinegar
• Activated charcoal

Are probiotics effective in reducing bloating? Probiotics can be beneficial in reducing bloating for many people. These beneficial bacteria help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for proper digestion. Probiotics may be particularly helpful for individuals with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or those who have recently taken antibiotics. However, it’s important to choose the right probiotic strain and consult with a healthcare provider, as some people may experience increased bloating when first starting probiotics.

Understanding the causes of extreme bloating and lower abdominal pain is crucial for effective management and treatment. While occasional bloating is normal, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. By making dietary and lifestyle changes, and exploring natural remedies, many individuals can find relief from bloating and improve their overall digestive health. Remember, if you experience severe or concerning symptoms, always seek medical attention promptly.

Abdominal Bloating and Lower Abdominal Pain

Abdominal Bloating and Lower Abdominal Pain

• Health Conditions
  • Featured
    • Breast Cancer
    • IBD
    • Migraine
    • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Articles
    • Acid Reflux
    • ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Alzheimer’s & Dementia
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Cancer
    • Crohn’s Disease
    • Chronic Pain
    • Cold & Flu
    • COPD
    • Depression
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Heart Disease
    • High Cholesterol
    • HIV
    • Hypertension
    • IPF
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Psoriasis
    • Skin Disorders and Care
    • STDs
• Discover
  • Wellness Topics
    • Nutrition
    • Fitness
    • Skin Care
    • Sexual Health
    • Women’s Health
    • Mental Well-Being
    • Sleep
  • Product Reviews
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • Sleep
    • Mental Health
    • Nutrition
    • At-Home Testing
    • CBD
    • Men’s Health
  • Original Series
    • Fresh Food Fast
    • Diagnosis Diaries
    • You’re Not Alone
    • Present Tense
  • Video Series
    • Youth in Focus
    • Healthy Harvest
    • No More Silence
    • Future of Health
• Plan
  • Health Challenges
    • Mindful Eating
    • Sugar Savvy
    • Move Your Body
    • Gut Health
    • Mood Foods
    • Align Your Spine
  • Find Care
    • Primary Care
    • Mental Health
    • OB-GYN
    • Dermatologists
    • Neurologists
    • Cardiologists
    • Orthopedists
  • Lifestyle Quizzes
    • Weight Management
    • Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
    • Are You a Workaholic?
    • How Well Do You Sleep?
  • Tools & Resources
    • Health News
    • Find a Diet
    • Find Healthy Snacks
    • Drugs A-Z
    • Health A-Z
• Connect
  • • Breast Cancer
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    • Psoriatic Arthritis
    • Migraine
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. D. — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA — Updated on March 8, 2023

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Your lower stomach may be sore from various conditions ranging from constipation or Crohn’s disease to your diet and even stress. The treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

Abdominal bloating gives you a sense of fullness in your stomach and can cause your abdomen to appear larger. Lower abdominal pain, or pelvic pain, refers to discomfort that occurs at or below your belly button. Organs in the pelvis, such as the bladder and reproductive organs, are often where pelvic pain occurs.

Swallowing excess air, eating high-fat foods that delay stomach emptying, and even stress can contribute to abdominal bloating and lower abdominal pain.

Intestinal and stomach-related conditions that cause these symptoms include:

• constipation
• an intolerance to certain ingredients, such as lactose or gluten
• gastroenteritis
• colitis
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• intestinal obstruction
• ileus, which is a slowing of normal small and large bowel function
• gastroparesis, which is usually a complication of diabetes mellitus
• Crohn’s disease
• diverticulitis
• irritable bowel syndrome

Conditions related to reproductive organs that may cause these symptoms include:

• ectopic pregnancy
• pregnancy
• endometriosis
• menstrual pain
• PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
• ovarian cancer
• ovarian cysts
• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Other possible causes of these symptoms include:

• appendicitis
• hernia
• cystitis
• medications
• cirrhosis
• intra-abdominal cancers
• drug allergy
• food allergies

Seek immediate medical help if an inability to pass gas and uncontrolled vomiting accompany your symptoms. These symptoms could indicate that a serious condition is causing your symptoms. You should also seek emergency treatment if you have any of the following symptoms associated with abdominal bloating or pelvic pain:

• a fever
• vomiting blood
• passing dark maroon, or bloody stool
• abnormal vaginal discharge
• a sudden worsening of pain, especially if it improves by lying completely still

If you have milder symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor if they don’t resolve within one to two days or are affecting your daily life.

If you don’t already have a gastroenterologist, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you find a physician in your area.

This information is a summary. Always seek medical attention if you’re concerned that you may be experiencing a medical emergency.

Certain foods and drinks can contribute to abdominal bloating and lower abdominal pain. Avoiding one or more of these may help prevent these symptoms.

• beans
• beer
• Brussels sprouts
• cabbage
• carbonated beverages
• chewing gum
• dairy products if you’re lactose intolerant
• hard candy
• high-fat foods
• lentils
• turnips

Smoking can also increase symptoms. If you quit, you’ll not only reduce these symptoms but also help your overall health. Increasing your fiber intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help prevent constipation.

Last medically reviewed on August 12, 2016

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Managing loss of appetite (anorexia). (n.d.).
  upmc.com/patients-visitors/education/cancer/pages/anorexia-from-cancer-therapy. aspx
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
  mayoclinic.com/health/viral-gastroenteritis/DS00085
• What is ulcerative colitis? (n.d.).
  ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Mar 8, 2023

Written By

Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA

Edited By

Nizam Khan (TechSpace)

Aug 12, 2016

Medically Reviewed By

Graham Rogers, MD

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M.D. — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA — Updated on March 8, 2023

Read this next

• Why Do I Keep Farting?

  Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI

  While farting every day is normal, farting all the time may be a sign of an underlying health problem. We’ll explain the causes of excessive farting…

  READ MORE

• Why Protein Makes Your Farts Stink and How to Treat Flatulence

  Eating an excessive amount of protein may cause flatulence. If excessive farting becomes a problem, you can correct this issue with these dietary…

  READ MORE

• Why Do My Farts Smell So Bad? Smelly Farts Explained

  Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI

  Passing gas occurs naturally, but if your farts smell rotten, something could be wrong. Learn about common causes and how to get rid of smelly farts.

  READ MORE

• 10 Ways to Get Rid of Gas Pains and Bloating

  Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C

  Gas is a normal part of the digestion process. If you’re unable to expel gas, you may start to feel pain and discomfort. Learn 10 ways to relieve gas…

  READ MORE

• How to Fart

  Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D.

  Yoga aids in relaxation throughout the entire body. Relaxing your body, and especially your bowels and intestines, can help you to pass gas.

  READ MORE

• What Symptoms Can a Gas Leak Cause?

  Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. O.

  READ MORE

• Immediate Relief for Trapped Gas: 9 Home Remedies and Prevention Tips

  Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

  Trapped gas can be acutely painful. It’s usually not serious but may be a sign of food intolerance or an underlying digestive problem. Learn about 9…

  READ MORE

• What’s Causing My Abdominal Bloating, and How Do I Treat It?

  Medically reviewed by Michele Cho-Dorado, MD

  Looking to get rid of your abdominal bloating? It can interfere with your ability to work and participate in social or recreational activities. People…

  READ MORE

• 9 Signs and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  By Matthew Thorpe, MD, PhD

  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, or periods of both. Here are 9 signs and symptoms of IBS.

  READ MORE

• 13 Foods That Cause Bloating (and What to Eat Instead)

  By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN (Ice)

  Bloating is often caused by certain foods. This article lists 13 foods that are known to cause bloating, and shows you what to replace them with.

  READ MORE

Abdomen – swollen Information | Mount Sinai

Swollen belly; Swelling in the abdomen; Abdominal distention; Distended abdomen

A swollen abdomen is when your belly area is bigger than usual.

Causes

Abdominal swelling, or distention, is more often caused by overeating than by a serious illness. This problem also can be caused by:

• Air swallowing (a nervous habit)
• Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (this can be a sign of a serious medical problem)
• Gas in the intestines from eating foods that are high in fiber (such as fruits and vegetables)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Lactose intolerance
• Ovarian cyst or cancer
• Partial bowel blockage
• Pregnancy
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Uterine fibroids
• Weight gain

Home Care

A swollen abdomen that is caused by eating a heavy meal will go away when you digest the food. Eating smaller amounts will help prevent swelling.

For a swollen abdomen caused by swallowing air:

• Avoid carbonated beverages.
• Avoid chewing gum or sucking on candies.
• Avoid drinking through a straw or sipping the surface of a hot beverage.
• Eat slowly.

For a swollen abdomen caused by malabsorption, try changing your diet and limiting milk. Talk to your health care provider.

For irritable bowel syndrome:

• Decrease emotional stress.
• Increase dietary fiber.
• Talk to your provider.

For a swollen abdomen due to other causes, follow the treatment prescribed by your provider.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

• The abdominal swelling is getting worse and does not go away.
• The swelling occurs with other unexplained symptoms.
• Your abdomen is tender to the touch.
• You have a high fever.
• You have severe diarrhea or bloody stools.
• You are unable to eat or drink for more than 6 to 8 hours.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, such as when the problem began and when it occurs.

The provider will also ask about other symptoms you may be having, such as:

• Absent menstrual period
• Diarrhea
• Excessive fatigue
• Excessive gas or belching
• Irritability
• Vomiting
• Weight gain or loss

Tests that may be done include:

• Abdominal and pelvic CT scan
• Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound
• Blood tests
• Colonoscopy
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Paracentesis
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Stool analysis
• Urine tests
• X-rays of the chest or abdomen

Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Abdomen. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 18.

Landmann A, Bonds M, Postier R. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 46.

McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 123.

Last reviewed on: 10/20/2022

Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

tips on how to achieve a flat stomach

We think you are familiar with such an unpleasant sensation as bloating. Sometimes it passes quickly, and sometimes it stays with us for the whole day. Today we want to tell you how to get rid of a bloated belly in women and return the body to normal.

Tags:

Health

weight loss

diets

vitamins

How to lose weight without dieting

Getty Images

Causes of bloating

Bloating is not always a reason to run to the doctor. However, it is definitely not worth ignoring this phenomenon, because sometimes it can actually indicate the presence of serious diseases in the body. To understand how to get rid of a bloated belly, let’s first look at the main reasons why it occurs.

1. Improper diet

Irregular diet is one of the most common causes of bloating. Frequent overeating, a sedentary lifestyle, eating a large amount of food at a time, the habit of eating at night – these factors cause a disorder in the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in problems with stools, gas discharge is disturbed. No less harm to the body is caused by a hasty meal, as well as talking while eating – this leads to the swallowing of excess air, some of which comes from the stomach to the intestines and leads to bloating. To quickly get rid of a bloated belly in women, try to adjust your diet – perhaps this will help solve the problem.

2. Consumption of foods that cause increased gas production

ADVERTISING – CONTINUED BELOW

The following foods contribute to increased gas formation: vegetables and fruits rich in coarse vegetable fibers (apples, pears, apricots, peaches, prunes, all kinds of cabbage, radish, radish, onion, garlic), legumes that contain hard to digest carbohydrates (peas , beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc.), carbonated drinks, yeast baked goods, baked goods, milk and its derivatives. Excessive consumption of meat and other heavy protein foods can also contribute to the accumulation of gases. The use of these products is one of the reasons why women have a constantly bloated belly. How to get rid of this unpleasant phenomenon – you need to review and adjust your daily menu, reducing the amount of unwanted ingredients to it.

3. Change in diet

A sudden change in diet can also lead to bloating. This happens because the pancreas cannot cope with the digestion of unusual food, resulting in indigestion. It is possible to quickly get rid of a bloated stomach with the help of probiotics.

4. Menstruation and pregnancy

How to get rid of a bloated belly in a girl? To begin with, it is important to determine the cause. Bloating often occurs during menstruation or pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes leading to increased gas formation.

How to get rid of a bloated belly during pregnancy – for the most effective solution to the problem, you need to consult a doctor. Self-medication may not only not solve the problem, but, on the contrary, aggravate the situation.

6. Diseases of the digestive tract

Sometimes bloating can signal digestive diseases. As a rule, if it is caused by a pathology, it is accompanied by concomitant conditions – diarrhea, constipation, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain. The most common cause of bloating is chronic pancreatitis. Other diseases that provoke this phenomenon are gastritis, enteritis, colitis of various etiologies, cholecystitis, and others. So how to get rid of bloated belly and gas formation in this case? It is best to seek help from a specialist – the doctor will study the problem and give recommendations on how to solve it.

How to get rid of bloated belly

1. Sit down

This method will help you quickly get rid of bloated belly in women. Believe it or not, muscles have memory. If you make sure that your back is straight and your stomach is slightly pulled in, after a couple of weeks you will notice that your stomach will become flatter. Most importantly, sit perfectly straight in front of the computer. Right now, straighten your back and pull in your stomach!

2. Drink water

At the slightest sign of dehydration, the body panics and begins to retain every drop of moisture, accumulating it… That’s right, in the abdominal region, to put it wisely, or simply in the stomach. So set yourself a reminder and drink a glass of water every couple of hours. This is one of the ways to get rid of a bloated stomach and gas.

3. Visit the ladies’ room

How to get rid of a bloated belly? First, set up a toilet regime. A delicate moment, but if we started talking about a flat stomach and the absence of bloating, there is no way to get around this intimate issue. So, watch the frequency of visiting the toilet. Doctors generally believe that the ideal option is to accustom the body to a certain schedule, but in practice, few people succeed. To be sure that the body does not accumulate toxins and removes them in a timely manner, make sure that you go to the toilet “in a small way” 7 or more times during daylight hours, and on a more serious issue – at least once a day. If this is not the case, go back to point 2.

4. Chew!

“By chewing food thoroughly, you help society!” Do you remember the funny Soviet slogan? It absolutely corresponds to the truth, only here you are helping not society, but your own stomach. The more carefully you chew, the less space the food will take in the digestive tract, the easier it is to digest, the less the stomach stretches, the faster you get full… If you are looking for a way to quickly get rid of a bloated stomach, try to start eating correctly.

5. Use probiotics

Often the stomach seems larger than it really is due to flatulence. Moreover, you may not notice it, this is not about the situation when you have spasms due to increased gas formation and you feel obvious discomfort. Only 50 grams of a probiotic per day will correct the situation, and in a day (!) You will notice that the stomach has decreased. Probiotics are an effective way to get rid of bloated stomach and gas.

6. Walk

Same advice from Captain Obvious — but what can you do if this is a working way to quickly get rid of bloated belly in women? 30 consecutive minutes a day is the minimum you need to achieve the effect. Get more – great! Just remember: while walking, you need to keep your back straight and slightly pull in your stomach. You will get a strong ass and slender legs as a bonus!

7. Forget chewing gum

Frequent use of chewing gum provokes bloating. How to get rid? Consume it less often. While you are enthusiastically chewing gum, you are unnoticeably swallowing air. From the stomach, it will move into the intestines and – it will inflate your stomach! If you want to freshen your breath, better take a mint candy.

8. Watch your hormones

A slight increase in the level of estrogen – a female hormone that provokes the accumulation of fat in the abdomen – can significantly spoil the figure. But the level of estrogen will be normal if the body has enough calcium and B vitamins. How to get rid of a bloated belly in women – go to the doctor and get tested, and then the specialist will tell you the solution.

9. Lie down

How to get rid of a bloated stomach – just lie down and rest. The best advice in the collection, do you agree? Dedicate 20 minutes a day to lazy gymnastics: lie on your back, place your legs above the level of your body, put a towel roll under your lower back and let your stomach fall. This is also muscle memory, the Japanese consider this exercise the key to a slender figure. Yes, you just need to lie down, not pulling anything anywhere, completely relaxed. Cool, right?

Photo: Getty Images

probable causes and what to do

Just like humans, pets often suffer from digestive disorders due to diseases or poor dietary choices. Quite often, bloating in a dog can be both a sign of feeding disorders and a serious, and sometimes fatal problem. If the animal has a barely noticeable swelling that disappears after taking the drugs, the owners will simply have to reconsider their attitude to the dog’s nutrition. But if the condition worsens, and swelling increases, this already becomes a threatening sign, and the owners need to urgently seek veterinary help, otherwise the dog may die.

What is the status

In most cases, an increase in the abdomen and increased gas formation may be the result of the dog eating food that is unnatural for it – carbohydrates. Kind and loving owners, not realizing that they harm the health of the pet, generously share their food from the table with him. Many dogs just love sweet pastries, apples, grapes, raisins, sweets. All this leads to the fact that the stomach is very swollen due to increased gas formation. This phenomenon is called “flatulence” and is easily eliminated by taking special preparations and observing the correct, natural diet for a dog as a predator.

But in cases where the condition of the animal is not caused by improper food, and its health worsens, we are talking about serious diseases. In this case, the dog will definitely need high-quality professional help. Some conditions that cause bloating, such as volvulus, can be life-threatening for the dog.

Causes

If more than a day has passed after ingestion of carbohydrate or sweet food, and the stomach is still enlarged, the dog has a strong saliva, vomiting, the animal is clearly suffering – you need to urgently contact the veterinarian. Such signs may indicate the presence of volvulus.

There are many diseases in which characteristic symptoms appear. All of them in one way or another can threaten the health and life of the dog, so the only thing to do if the dog is breathing heavily, barely walking, she is sick, she is suffering from a huge belly is to urgently take her to the veterinary clinic. If the animal is completely weakened, the doctor should be called to the house.

The main causes that provoke an increase and soreness of the abdomen with other symptoms:

1. Helminthiasis. If the animal was not regularly dewormed or the puppy was picked up on the street, he probably has a complete “set” of various worms. If you do not fight them, their number can constantly increase, so they clump into balls in the intestines, which visually can look like a big lump in the stomach, that is, bloating. It is necessary to drive away the worms every 3 months, regardless of whether the dog lives on the street or is constantly indoors.
2. Pyometra. This is an acute inflammatory process in the uterine cavity. Due to infection, its cavity is filled with pus, the organ greatly increases in size, as during pregnancy, and the stomach looks swollen and painful. The disease is accompanied by an increase in temperature, severe weakness and lethargy of the animal, purulent discharge from the genitals. Urgent measures are needed to promptly remove the uterus, or the dog will die.
3. Peritonitis. A severe condition in which, for various reasons, fluid is poured into the abdominal cavity with the formation of an extensive inflammatory process and a large amount of pus. It requires urgent hospitalization, since it will not be possible to save the animal in the later stages.
4. Ascites. This is a consequence of other health problems. With ascites, fluid leaks into the abdominal cavity and accumulates constantly, and the abdomen looks taut, as in pregnancy.

Regardless of whether your dog has eaten something or not, if the symptoms of bloating do not go away within a day, only contacting a veterinarian will help identify and eliminate the cause.

Signs of illness

Acute bloating in a dog is a direct threat to its life if it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

1. Complete refusal to eat. It is especially dangerous if the dog does not drink water at all – this threatens with rapid dehydration.
2. A strong increase in the abdomen – it is swollen and painfully sensitive to touch.
3. The dog can hardly walk, it has swollen hind legs, it prefers to lie on its side.
4. The animal is salivating.
5. Nausea and frequent vomiting with frothy and foul-smelling contents.

In the event that a dog has these symptoms, it should be immediately examined and treated.

Methods of treatment

Treatment at home is possible only in cases where it is known for sure that the stomach is swollen due to unnatural food for the dog. Veterinary drugs are used – remedies for flatulence and sorbents.

In other situations, it is dangerous to treat bloating at home, since the slightest delay can cost the animal its life. Only after an accurate diagnosis will the veterinarian know whether it is possible to expel worms, whether an urgent operation is needed, or whether drug therapy can be limited.

Any self-treatment can aggravate the course of the disease so much that it will lead to a severe deterioration in well-being and the death of a pet.

Prevention

The most important preventive measures are the following:

1. Careful observance of the rules of feeding the dog, in which any “human” food, unusual for dogs, is under the strictest ban.